Protein components of amyloid-like kidney stones of chronic hemodialysis patients.

We have examined amyloid-like kidney stones, commonly found in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Extraction of protein from the stones and Western blot analysis were performed. beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2MG), serum amyloid P component (SAP), lysozyme and PAS-positive substance were identified in the stones. It is suggested that calcium-mediated association of beta 2MG, lysozyme, SAP and PAS-positive substance may have an important role in the process of the formation of kidney stones in chronic hemodialysis patients.